Hemet Murder Suspect Arrested, Now Faces Murder Charge

A shooting incident that occurred in Hemet on July 7 has escalated, with investigators now seeking a murder charge against the suspect. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Hemet resident Ryan Ankenbauer, sustained critical gunshot wounds.

Ankenbauer was hospitalized in critical condition and remained so until his death on July 26, nearly three weeks after the initial assault. Investigators had previously apprehended the suspect, 42-year-old Eric Gomez of Moreno Valley, on July 17.

At the time of his arrest near Gilbert Street and Stetson Avenue, Gomez was booked for attempted murder. The Central Homicide Unit is now working to upgrade the charges to murder, planning to resubmit the case to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with additional information to contact Investigator Ramirez or Investigator Shaw.